Opportunities to Consider...
Are you looking for more than just a job? How about a career in a fast-paced, technologically advanced, forward-looking industry?
Then look into the die casting industry! It’s a solid opportunity to develop high-paid skills. Thousands of secure, well-paid career positions in the die casting industry are going unfilled as students pursue jobs in different business sectors that often pay less.
Look into the die casting industry and discover:
- The industry is fundamental to our economy—and growing!
- Job security in the industry is better than ever!
- Compensation packages are fair and competitive!
- Opportunities exist to grow and keep pace with new technologies!
What is Die Casting!
In die casting, precision made steel molds have liquid metal injected into them at high temperatures and pressures. The resultant shape is removed from the mold and after it cools down, the cycle is repeated. Many die cast machines are highly automated and include computer assisted injection cycles and casting extraction. Metal ladling and casting removal is often done with automatic equipment.
Die castings are used extensively in automobiles, electronics, appliances, and other progressive industries. Over $7.0 billion of die castings are shipped annually in the United States.
What are the Career Opportunities in Die Casting?
Die Cast Machine Operators - - These are the "hands on" operators of the die casting machines, trim presses and a variety of other equipment that help to produce quality castings.
Most die casting employers continue to move to team environments where "machine operators" take greater responsibility for their work and are involved with problem solving. This makes their jobs more exciting and challenging than ever before. These positions generally require good basic math skills, problem solving skills, and the ability to work and communicate with others in teams.
Machinists and Tool & Die Makers - - These are the skilled operators of machine tools who create and maintain the tooling, fixtures, and equipment which are an important part of the die casting industry. While these journeyman positions have been in existence since the industrial revolution, the machine tools and work practices have evolved with space age technology.
From computerized machine tools to exotic materials, today’s machinists/tool & die makers take advanced theories and put them into practice. These positions generally require above average math skills, problem solving skills, and the completion of an apprenticeship program.
Die Casting Technicians - - These are the people trained to provide engineering solutions to problems in manufacturing design and production. Their training in the areas of manufacturing related design, problem solving skills, and software tools is applied in disciplines such as tool design, quality systems, production planning, operations management, product development, project management, technical service, and training.
These positions require knowledge of engineering principles, the ability to develop solutions to problems, appropriate software identification and usage, and experience in an area of specialization.
Why Should YOU Choose a Die Casting Career?
Start Earning Now! In many cases, apprenticeships and internships allow you to begin earning money while you’re still in high school, or immediately upon graduation. This can put you far ahead along the path of gaining manufacturing experience which ultimately results in higher paid positions.
College Fact! Only 40% of those who start college complete their degree within five years. By choosing a career in die casting, you’ll be on your way to a solid career with opportunities to advance to engineering or even management.
Your Job Skills Move With You – The skills you learn in a die casting career go with you where ever you choose to live. Skill standards have been established and are accepted throughout the nation.
The Bottom Line - - today’s die casting companies offer fair and competitive compensation packages. These packages include a variety of employee benefits such as health care, pension plans, profit sharing, paid vacations, etc. These benefits, coupled with your initial earning potential, can put your pay level far ahead of many other careers in other business sectors.
Following are average annual wages for a number of occupations in the die casting industry. These average wages are based on a nationwide survey of North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) member companies; actual wages will undoubtedly fluctuate due to regional cost of living differences.
Die Casting Wages and Rates (Avg.)
| POSITION |
RATE/HOUR |
WAGES |
Journeyperson/Electrical/Maintenance
|
$22.04 |
$59,100 |
| Die Repair/Machinist |
$21.52 |
$57,700 |
| Manual Die Cast Machine Operator & Setup |
$19.67 |
$52,700 |
| Automatic Die Cast Machine Operator & Setup |
$19.11 |
$51,200 |
| Die Cast Machine Setup |
$18.43 |
$49,400 |
| Senior Inspector |
$17.92 |
$48,000 |
| Automatic Die Cast Machine Operator |
$16.73 |
$44,800 |
| Alloy Person |
$16.28 |
$43,600 |
| Manual Die Cast Machine Operator |
$15.66 |
$42,000 |
| Setup Trim |
$15.23 |
$40,800 |
| CNC Operator |
$15.05 |
$40,300 |
| General Production Machine Operator |
$13.57 |
$36,400 |
| Trim Operator |
$13.01 |
$34,900 |
With average industry annual wages of more than $30,000 and substantial benefits packages, you can begin your career path in die casting and building your earning power now. If you have a high school diploma and a motivation to succeed, there’s a career waiting for you!